Magicshine Monteer 6500S Mountain BIke Light Review - feat. 6500 Lumens + USB Type-C + Garmin Mount

Magicshine has long been associated with affordable and bright bike lights for commuting and mountain biking with the Monteer 6500 being one of their brightest offerings with an impressive 6500 lumen output and wired battery design. In this review, we’ll be looking at the new Magicshine 6500S that utilizes upgraded LEDs, improved optics, and an updated battery pack. Although the 6500S may look similar to the previous model, the updates bring higher output in the lower modes while also extending the run-time. Unlike many cheap bike lights on the market with falsely claimed high outputs, the Monteer 6500S has a measured 6500 lumen max output and a generous 2 hour run-time at the max setting.
At first glance, the new Monteer 6500S looks a lot like the existing Monteer 6500. The compact aluminium headlamp design has in fact been carried over from the existing Monteer light. That isn't a bad thing, as it's a compact and sleek design with built-in fins for heat dissipation. Thanks to the wired battery pack design, the head lamp is surprisingly small but on the taller side to accommodate the five LEDs. To achieve the higher 6500 lumen output, the Cree LEDs have been upgraded to three Cree XHP 50.2 and two XM-L2. Also carried over from the previous model is the single illuminated power button mounted on top of the housing. The wires exit the housing at a sharp right angle which makes it easy to route under your handlebars.
With the Monteer 6500S as well as the other Monteer lights in the series, Magicshine has opted for the same simple one-button interface on top of the headlamp. The button is rubberized and is illuminated to show three levels of battery status: green (21-100%), red (6-20%) and flashing red (0-5%). A short press turns the light on while a long hold powers the light off which is consistent with most bike lights. There are three primary output modes that a double press cycles through: flood mode (top 3 LEDs), spot mode (bottom two LEDs) and a hybrid mode (all 5). Within each mode, a single press cycles through four intensities (10 / 25 / 50 / 100%) and a flash mode...
... Read the full review @ thesweetcyclists.com/magicshi...
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00:00 Intro
00:12 Unboxing + Specs
03:19 Fit + Finish
08:18 Light Output
10:06 Comparison (MJ-906, MJ-908, Monteer 8000S)
14:49 The Final Score
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[@josephbm]

I'm in Australia ordered mine last night. Thanks fir video.

[@zfine1450]

Just got this a couple days ago. Seven days from ordering to my hand, DHL had it in country in 24 hrs. Great service! Chose this one over the 8000 because it's the same light, just "throttled down" a bit. Figured the longer runtimes would be more useful and the components should last longer. Used your coupon code. Got me down to $297. 50 bucks off! Thank you sir.

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Glad you could save a little money. It's a lot of lumen for the price. The 6500S is more than bright enough so I think you made a good choice.

[@Disillusioned2022]

I grabbed one and it arrived today after 2 weeks and I used your code - thank you !

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Glad you could save some money! Enjoy the 6500 lumens.

[@Disillusioned2022]

@@TheSweetCyclists Its 3:17pm here right now so can't try them until later tonight :P It's replacing my 250 lumen crappy light !!!

[@TheSweetCyclists]

It's hard to explain, but there is something really fun about riding with a bright light at night. I'm sure you'll enjoy it - 250 to 6500 lumen is a massive jump.

[@everywherelocal]

cool clip 👍

[@everywherelocal]

yeah! 💪

[@journeyofmountainspirit4683]

Higher modes are a MUST for mtb light since it is intended for mtb and not comuter/road bike!!!

[@b.lemaitre8343]

Nice, thanks for the video ! Would you happen to know if any of their rear lights use usb-c charging as well ?

[@TheSweetCyclists]

I'm not aware of a Magicshine taillight with USB Type-C currently available. The Fenix BC05R has it (kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmSufYNsiNmMmsU) but it is only 20 lumens.

[@Jeppelelle]

I was thinking about getting this but there is one issue, maybe i'm stupid but is the only option to cycle the modes 1 way? So if i have it at 6500lm & want to get in a lower mode temporary to not blind oncoming traffic i have to cycle through all 15 modes in total to get back to the mode i was in?

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Yes, that's one downside of the one button interface. It's a one direction menu low -> med -> high - > max - > flash -> low ... It's also annoying that you have to go through the flash mode while riding.

[@Jeppelelle]

@@TheSweetCyclists Thanks for the reply 👍 The one button interface really kills this product for me, such a shame because the actual light seems great. This one should have 2 buttons; back & forwards, 3 buttons would be great too, 1 for mode select & up & down inside that mode, that way one could avoid the flash mode completely. it is so weird that they opted for 1 button, especially with that many modes.

[@TheSweetCyclists]

@@Jeppelelle I agree, it's a bit of a let down with such an expensive light. Note, we are working on a review for the 8000S V2 that has a two button wireless remote that makes it easier to navigate the menu (separates flash mode from intensity selection) so stay tuned for that. Also the newer Magicshine Ray 2600 has a two button up/down design that lets you cycle through options in both directions that is a lot easier to use.

[@Electronieks]

Jesper Andersson wow

[@aberdeenbelfry316]

Is this the same as the olight brand?

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Magicshine is the original brand, Olight rebrands many of the Magicshine lights. Some of the lights are identical, while other Olight variations have different features. It seems like the Olight RN 3500 is the same as the Monteer 3500S with the same features and price. I believe Olight might be available in other markets where Magicshine isn't.

[@juancarlosvidaldevesa9012]

I bought last winter this light, I had to say the light is more than perfect, but the battery stopped working. Is not a cheap light, and I sent an email to them, waiting a response. Will update this. I hope they sort my issue, because with that price only working from January till September, I would never by Magicshine again. I bought this light because allways had to ride with 2 lights (and its batteries) and always charging, discharging...... Wanted only one powerfull and long life time light. Now, I have to by another light till they answer me or sort my problem.

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Sorry to hear about your issues. Definitely reach out to Magicshine support, they've been very helpful in the past when I've run into issues. Does the battery status checker on the battery also no longer work? You might just have a bad charger if that's the case.

[@juancarlosvidaldevesa9012]

@@TheSweetCyclists Thanks for your words, and your review, of course. The battery tester apparently is working. I press the "power button" with no leds lit. I connect the battery to a 5V 4,5 Amp (I have two of them, and same on both, working fine on mobiles.... Also have a 12V 3Amp and exactly the same) and it starts charging, but from 2 leds lit and last one blinking. When charged, 3 leds lit, I disconnect the charger, press the power button and have 3 leds lit, but in few minutes I press it again and no leds lit, the three off. I already contacted support and sent some videos. Waiting a solution.

[@TheSweetCyclists]

@@juancarlosvidaldevesa9012 Ah, that sounds like some sort of battery issue then. Hopefully they can send you out a replacement. That's the best part about these wired light setups, it's a lot cheaper to replace the batteries.

[@callumcorbin1525]

@@juancarlosvidaldevesa9012 I have exactly the same issue with my battery that you describe. Charges fine and the push button test will work, then some time later (between 2 minutes and so far up to 7 days that I've experienced so far) the test button will become unresponsive and no power is available at the light head unit. I find if you plug it back into the charger for around 5 seconds it will reset and will often then work fine, but other times it will cut out again. I've just contacted Magicshine, would be interested if you heard back and what the outcome was?

[@juancarlosvidaldevesa9012]

@@callumcorbin1525 Hi. I found the problem (in my case). It wasn't the battery. The roblem was the cable that connects to the battery. Of course, that cable is needed for using the light, and I didn't disconnect it normally. Short-circuit between positive and negative cables. I found it with a multimeter. The problem is what you said, the battery could be 100% charged, but with a short circuit, the battery self protect and is like dead. Connecting to the power, and start working again, but the cable should be unplugged, because when short circuit again, battery off again (100% charges). Also, when charging, if te cable is connected and short circuit, only 1 led blinking, however full cjarged. Well, 4 pins in the battery, 2 positive, 2 negative. The best way for testing. And for testing the cable, I connected the battery cable to another cable with a connector (same than the light) and to the multimeter in short-circuit mode (beeps when 2 cables crossed), moving the cable, if it sounds, you have the same issue.

[@Accu53Mation]

Ordered two(always best to have a back-up), with three six-cell battery packs. Do a-lot of night riding. makes easy trails more difficult & exciting. We especially like the price. Considered Exposure Lights and Nightrider. Just too expensive for mediocre product performance. Have taken a Nitecore Flashlight, & simply duck-tape it to the handlebar. It was practical. Cheap lights on Amazon, have bogus Lumen claims and the mounts break easily(Chinese garbage). All ya really need is about 1400 lumens for a safe downhill epic ride at night. The 6500 lumens, is just for attracting emergency personnel & medivac chopper, when ya gloriously crash.

[@TheSweetCyclists]

Nice - you should be set for awhile if you have 2 of these and three batteries! The 6500 is more than enough and as you said, it's hard to beat the price.

[@Disillusioned2022]

9:09 and 9:30 :)

[@TheSweetCyclists]

It's definitely bright right? You should see the Monteer 8000S's 8000 lumen output.

[@Disillusioned2022]

@@TheSweetCyclists I've started on Uber Eats here in Australia and predominantly work at night - I use a Victagen 2400 Lumen light for $30 from Amazon - the 6500s is like $349 USD (454 AUD) - it looks amazing, I'm just not sure I can hit "buy now" on it !

[@TheSweetCyclists]

@@Disillusioned2022 Totally get it, it's not easy to spend so much on a bike light. You may want to consider the Magicshine MJ lights. The MJ-900S is 1500 lumens and only $69.99, plus you can use our discount code (thesweetcyclists) for another 15% off that. The Victagen looks decent, but at $30 I would doubt it's actually putting out 2400 lumens with such a small battery. Definitely look for bike lights with FL-1 standardized lumen outputs, otherwise you don't know if the output is real or not.

[@droleanduranduran]

Comenté lo en español

[@tomg224]

buying this light for the road use is just silly ...

[@TheSweetCyclists]

It's funny you mentioned that, I'm actually really looking forward to shorter days as we approach December so I can ride with the Monteer 8500s. There are more rural / country roads around me so it will be fun to light the road up. It's overkill but really fun to ride with - just avoid it in more populated areas as the glare can be blinding at higher output levels.

[@tomg224]

@@TheSweetCyclists i guess you mean 8000s =] thinking about getting it for mtb :D

[@TheSweetCyclists]

@@tomg224 Yup. It's pretty ridiculous how bright that light is. Perfect for MTB or dark country roads.